UNDERSTANDING THE VARIOUS PARTS OF YOUR FLAGPOLE

As a flagpole owner, you should understand the various parts of your flagpole. It will help you sound more confident and savvy when you’re talking about it. You can say “adjust the halyard” instead of “bring down the thingy”. Solid knowledge of your flagpole can also help you take better care of it. You can inspect it with more accuracy, and know what parts need repair and replacement. Most of these parts come in a Flag pole kit, even if you purchased telescoping flagpoles.

The highest part of a flagpole is the flagpole ball. In some flagpoles, the balls are replaced flagpole eagles. Flagpole balls are rumored to have military significance. However, these days, they are mainly for decorative purposes.

Below the ball is the truck. The flagpole truck is a pulley assembly that is mounted at the top of the pole.It holds the finial in place and usually includes the pulley. The halyard is attached to the pulley. The flagpole pulley is what enables you to hoist the flag. As you pull downthe rope, it redirects the force and lifts the other end of the rope and the flag upwards. The rope is also known as the halyard.

The flag is attached to the halyard by the flag snap. The flag snap is also called the snap hook and is usually made of metal or vinyl. It has a spring closuresimilar to the ones you find on a dog’s leash. The halyard channel is just like its name suggests. It covers and protects the halyard.

The halyard is held in place and close to the flag pole by the cleat. The halyard is usually wrapped several times around the cleat which is located 4-5 feet about the butt. The butt is usually the lowest visible point on the flag, right below the shaft. The butt is also the widest part of the flagpole.

The flash collar protects the buried part of the pole from rain and other elements. It has the added benefit of making the pole appear clean and finished, and is made from the same material as the flagpole.